Solid Control Equipment Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented Type (Shale Shaker, Desander, Desilter, Vacuum Degasser, Centrifuge, and Other Types), Location of Deployment (Onshore and Offshore), By Region, Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 4.69 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	10.05%
Fastest Growing Segment	Vacuum Degasser
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.33 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Solid Control Equipment Market will grow from USD 4.69 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.33 Billion by 2031 at a 10.05% CAGR. Solid control equipment comprises specialized mechanical devices utilized in the oil and gas industry to effectively separate solid cuttings from drilling fluids, ensuring the maintenance of fluid properties and facilitating environmental compliance. The market is primarily supported by fundamental drivers such as the escalating global energy demand which necessitates intensified exploration and production activities, alongside rigorous environmental mandates requiring efficient waste management solutions. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2025, global oil supply is projected to rise by 3.1 million barrels per day, significantly bolstering the requirement for drilling infrastructure and associated separation technologies.

Unlike temporary technological shifts, these core drivers represent long-term structural necessities for the industry. However, one significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the inherent volatility of crude oil prices, which frequently compels operators to reduce capital expenditure on auxiliary drilling assets during economic downturns. This financial unpredictability can delay the procurement of new equipment despite the underlying operational needs.

Key Market Drivers

Escalating global demand for oil and gas exploration activities serves as the primary catalyst for the Solid Control Equipment Market, directly necessitating the deployment of advanced separation systems to handle increased drilling volumes. As energy consumption rebounds, operators are intensifying upstream projects to secure supply, thereby amplifying the volume of drilling fluids and cuttings that require processing. This trend is substantiated by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; according to the Monthly Oil Market Report, November 2024, global oil demand is projected to grow by 1.82 million barrels per day in 2024. This surge in consumption translates into heightened field operations, as further evidenced by drilling activity metrics. According to Baker Hughes, November 2024, the international rig count stood at 960 units in October 2024, reflecting the sustained operational intensity that underpins the requirement for reliable solids control infrastructure.

Concurrently, the implementation of stringent environmental regulations on drilling waste is compelling the industry to adopt automated and closed-loop systems for waste minimization. Governments and regulatory bodies are enforcing zero-discharge policies and stricter disposal standards, forcing companies to invest in equipment that maximizes fluid recovery and ensures compliant cuttings treatment. This regulatory pressure is driving significant capital allocation towards specialized waste management services. For instance, according to TWMA, October 2024, the company secured a contract valued at approximately $70 million with a leading UAE operator to provide comprehensive drilling waste management and onsite processing solutions. Such investments highlight how environmental mandates are reshaping market procurement strategies, prioritizing equipment that delivers both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

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Key Market Challenges

The inherent volatility of crude oil prices constitutes a significant challenge to the growth of the Global Solid Control Equipment Market. When oil prices demonstrate instability, exploration and production operators frequently respond by sharply reducing capital expenditures to preserve liquidity. This financial caution forces a delay in the procurement of auxiliary drilling assets, as companies opt to utilize existing machinery rather than committing to new purchases. Consequently, equipment manufacturers experience a slowdown in order intake which directly hampers production cycles and revenue growth.

This reduction in spending has a measurable negative impact on the deployment of new drilling infrastructure where solid control systems are utilized. According to the International Energy Agency, global upstream oil and gas investment is forecast to decline by approximately 4% to just under $570 billion in 2025. This contraction in sector funding limits the initiation of new drilling campaigns, thereby decreasing the immediate requirement for separation technologies and impeding the overall market expansion during periods of economic uncertainty.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of automated and smart solid control systems is rapidly transforming the market as operators prioritize safety and operational consistency. Industry players are increasingly deploying robotic technologies to minimize manual intervention in hazardous zones, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of human error during drilling fluid processing. This shift towards unmanned operations is evidenced by recent technological deployments on active rigs. According to Drilling Contractor, June 2025, in the article 'NOV pushes automation boundaries with deployment of robotics system on Canadian land rig', NOV successfully deployed a robotic system featuring three robotic arms and an integrated control system to automate repetitive and potentially dangerous tasks. Such advancements underscore the industry's commitment to integrating intelligent robotics into the drilling floor ecosystem.

Concurrently, there is a rising demand for modular and skid-mounted units, driven by the necessity for flexible and rapidly deployable equipment in remote or logistically challenging exploration sites. Operators are favoring compact, integrated designs that combine multiple processing functions into transportable modules, significantly reducing rig-up time and footprint. This trend is particularly evident in the procurement of comprehensive mud treatment packages tailored for specific project scales. For instance, according to GN Solids Control, January 2025, in the news release '3 Sets 1500HP Drilling Rig Mud Tank System for Drilling Company', the manufacturer delivered three sets of comprehensive mud tank systems specifically designed to meet rigorous drilling demands. This preference for versatile, scalable configurations highlights the market's focus on logistical efficiency and adaptability.

Segmental Insights

The Vacuum Degasser segment is currently the fastest-growing category within the Global Solid Control Equipment Market. This robust expansion is primarily driven by the increasing complexity of modern drilling operations, particularly in deepwater and unconventional fields where gas-cut mud poses significant operational risks. Vacuum degassers are essential for efficiently removing entrained gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, from drilling fluids, thereby maintaining hydrostatic pressure and preventing hazardous well control incidents. Furthermore, stringent industrial safety standards and environmental mandates globally are compelling operators to adopt these systems to ensure personnel safety and operational integrity.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Solid Control Equipment Market due to substantial investments in shale gas and oil exploration across the United States and Canada. The region demands efficient separation systems to support high drilling volumes and maximize fluid recovery. Furthermore, stringent environmental guidelines enforced by organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency compel operators to utilize compliant waste management solutions. This strong regulatory framework, coupled with established onshore and offshore drilling infrastructure, sustains the continuous requirement for equipment that manages drilling byproducts effectively.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Alfa Laval revealed the successful deployment of its latest decanter centrifuge technology at a large-scale processing facility, marking a milestone in separation capacity. The installation utilized the Foodec Sigma system, which was reported to significantly increase hourly processing rates compared to previous setups. This upgrade incorporated a specialized conveyor design and wear-resistant materials intended to prolong equipment service life under heavy loads. The project demonstrates the company's ability to deliver breakthrough improvements in throughput and reliability, catering to the evolving needs of industries requiring efficient high-volume solid-liquid separation.
• In September 2024, GN Solids Control launched a new series of shale shakers and mud cleaners specifically engineered for the rigorous demands of offshore drilling operations. These newly introduced units feature an anti-splash design, adjustable screen angles, and enhanced vibration intensity to maximize fluid recovery and separation efficiency. The equipment was developed to address safety and environmental concerns by minimizing drilling fluid spillage on rig decks. This product launch reinforces the manufacturer's commitment to providing specialized, high-performance solid control equipment that ensures operational compliance and efficiency in the global oil and gas sector.
• In July 2024, Flottweg introduced an advanced rotor geometry for its decanter centrifuges, demonstrating significant performance improvements at a wastewater treatment facility in Germany. This engineering breakthrough enabled the equipment to achieve a higher dry solids content in the separated output, directly resulting in reduced disposal volumes for the operator. Additionally, the new design contributed to a noteworthy decrease in energy consumption during the separation process. This development highlights the company's focus on research and innovation to create more sustainable and cost-effective solid control solutions for municipal and industrial waste management applications.
• In June 2024, TerraSource Global, a prominent manufacturer of material processing and handling equipment, announced the strategic acquisition of Peninsula Iron Works. This collaboration was established to integrate the acquired entity’s extensive expertise in refurbishing and rebuilding capital equipment with TerraSource’s existing portfolio, which includes the Elgin Separation Solutions brand. The initiative was aimed at enhancing the company's aftermarket service capabilities and expanding its manufacturing capacity for large-scale industrial components. By combining these resources, the company intends to deliver more robust turnkey solutions for solid-liquid separation and material handling to its customers in the mining and aggregate industries.

Key Market Players

• Schlumberger Limited
• Halliburton Company
• Weatherford International Plc
• Baker Hughes Company
• GN Solids Control
• Derrick Corporation
• KES Energy Equipment Manufacturing Hebei Co. Ltd
• China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation
• KOSUN Machinery Co. Ltd

By Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Solid Control Equipment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Solid Control Equipment Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE